Keonna Goodwin and 6-year-old Kartyr watch as Kyson, 3, goes in for a fist bump from Santa at the Parker Christmas dinner on Saturday, Dec. 14, at the Parker Elementary School. About 200 people attended the event that saw hundreds of dollars worth of merchandise raffled off for free.
Story and photos by Roger Sims, rsims@linncountyjournal.com
In the best turnout since the COVID epidemic curtailed many public gatherings, the Parker community Christmas dinner on Saturday night served more than 200 area residents.
The crowd that attended the Dec. 14 event at the Parker Elementary School was so large that the Parker Area Ladies Society (PALS) serving the dinner ran out of some food items and came close to not having enough food altogether.
In a nod to the movie "A Christmas Story," the PALS float featured Jerred Johnson holding the likeness a Red Ryder air rifle ("You'll shoot your eye out, kid.")
Parker’s celebration of the holiday began earlier in the afternoon with a parade down Main Street that included Linn County Fire Department fire truck, county Sheriff James Akes, Parker Police Chief Cody Kiser, Grinch on a scooter, a float entry by PALS, and a float sponsored by Parker Truss and Stuff. The PALS float won best entry.
As the event shifted to the school, there was a line at the door waiting to get in as residents signed up for the free raffle for well over 100 items donated by area businesses – including some from Garnett, La Cygne, Paola businesses – as well as several individuals.
Raffle prizes include gifts for children – including bicycles – and gifts for adults.
Judy Kinder, from right, Rita Kerr, Carol Buckman and other members of PALS served a dinner of chicken noodles on mashed potatoes to area residents.
PALS members gave Crystal Riggs, Parker resident and owner of Simple Simon’s Pizza in La Cygne, credit for organizing the successful event.
While the dinner was being served, Santa arrived and set up shop on a bench by the Christmas tree. There he entertained Nice List requests and posed for photos with children, most of whom were willing to sit with him.
Free-will donations by those attending more than covered the cost of the dinner, according to one PALS member.
Christy Diehm, with grandchildren Wesley, 2, and Kate, 5, took the opportunity to visit with Santa.
Carrie Sewell, left, prepares to announce the entries in the parade as it rolls down Main Street.
Photo Gallery
Top row from left, Linn County Sheriff James Akes waves to people along the parade route, prizes included gift items for adults and bicycles for the kids. Middle row, Parker Truss' Pam Clinton tosses candy during the parade. Grinch and his pup ride through the parade, and Kari Brandt rides the PALS float with a twist on a leg lamp. Bottom row, City Clerk Lisa Leach tosses candy along the parade route, and firefighter Mike Gillespie hands candy out to the children.
Comments